How to get rid of ingrown hair: myths, facts, and tips

When it comes to caring for our skin and removing unwanted hair, there is no right or wrong way; it is a personal choice. However, many of us who do choose to remove unwanted hair are faced with another dilemma – how to stop ingrown hair.

Ingrown hairs can feel unsightly and uncomfortable for some, and there is a wrong and a right way of getting rid of ingrown hairs. In this article, we will explore ingrown hair facts, including:

• What causes ingrown hair?
  
• How do hair removal techniques impact ingrown hair?
  
• What are the signs of ingrown hair?
  
• Are there any ingrown hair facts or myths you should know of?
  
• How to get rid of ingrown hair?
  
• What’s the best way to prevent ingrown hairs?

So, if you’re ready to discover just how easy it is to stop ingrown hairs and have smooth, hair-free skin with ease, read on for our guide to ingrown hair facts, myths, and tips.

What causes ingrown hair?

Before we show you how to get rid of ingrown hairs, let’s look at the causes with 3 simple ingrown hair facts:

• In areas where we remove hair, they can become ingrown hairs.
  
• As they start to grow back, they curve and grow back into the skin.
  
• Ingrown hairs are common for people who regularly use traditional hair removal methods, as well as those who have curly or coarse hair.
  

How hair removal techniques impact ingrown hair occurrence

Here are the facts you need to know about why men and women get razor bumps:

• If you shave, wax, or tweeze to remove unwanted hair, you are only removing the hair strands.
  Top tip: Worried about razor bumps? Sometimes shaving is the quick, easy, and budget-friendly option for hair removal that you don’t want to give up. Don’t worry, we have some top tips on how to avoid ingrown hairs when shaving.
  
• New hair grows from hair follicles in your skin, so by only removing the hair strands, you are not stopping the hair from growing back.
  
• If a new hair grows from the same hair follicle, it could curl back as it grows and re-enter your skin resulting in razor bumps also known as ingrown hair.
  Top tip: The best way to get rid of razor bumps is to stop shaving – but that doesn’t mean you need to give up on hair removal altogether. If you’re prone to a significant number of ingrown hairs, it may be time to try a different hair removal method, like IPL.

IPL targets the hair follicle, resulting in less hair growth. With reduced hair growth, you’ll see a reduction in ingrown hairs too. Why not try the Philips Lumea IPL, which offers up to 92% hair reduction in just three treatments* and six months of ingrown hair-free smooth skin after 12 treatments.**

Signs you may have ingrown hair

Before we show you how to not get razor bumps, it’s important to know the signs when you have them. Here are 6 indicators that men or women have razor bumps:¹

1. Small, round bumps also known as papules appear on your skin.
   
2. Pus-filled bumps, also known as pustules.
   
3. A change in the colour of your skin around the ingrown hair, also known as hyperpigmentation.
   
4. Pain or itching where a hair has ingrown.
   
5. Swelling or irritation.
   
6. A large, painful bump, also known as an ingrown hair cyst.
   

Debunking 4 common myths with ingrown hair facts

Many people have different ideas of the causes and suitable methods for getting rid of ingrown hairs, but not all are correct. Here, we’ve shared 4 common myths and debunked them with true ingrown hair facts:

1. Myth: Ingrown hairs indicate poor personal hygiene.
   Fact: Ingrown hairs are caused by the way your hair grows, and even someone with the best skincare regime you may not be able to stop ingrown hairs.
   
2. Myth: Ingrown hairs only occur in areas where shaving has been used as a hair removal method.
   Fact: If hair grows there, you can get ingrown hairs there. If you have curly or coarse hair or wear tight clothing, you have a higher risk of ingrown hair.
   
3. Myth: Squeezing an ingrown hair is the best way to remove it.
   Fact: It may be tempting to squeeze ingrown hairs, especially if they have caused a pimple. However, squeezing can cause complications such as infection and scarring.
   
4. Myth: It is always painful when you have ingrown hair.
   Fact: Not all ingrown hairs cause pain. In some cases, they can cause pimples, swelling, and discomfort. However, in others, there are no side effects with ingrown hair, and they do not cause pain.

How to get rid of ingrown hair

There are two simple ways you can relieve your symptoms so you can focus on the next steps for how to get rid of ingrown hair:

1. Warm compress
   A warm compress applied to the area of the ingrown hair will help to soothe razor bumps and irritation as well as soften the epidermis to help release the ingrown hair.
   Top tip: This is a great option for those with sensitive skin. For more advice, check out our article which focuses on gentle hair removal methods perfect for sensitive skin.
   
2. Home remedies
   If you prefer to avoid medications, why not try a gentle, natural, at-home remedy to relieve the symptoms associated with ingrown hairs?
   
   • Tea tree oil: Mix tea tree oil with water to dilute it. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this oil2 could help to reduce the symptoms of ingrown hairs.
   • Sugar: A paste of sugar and honey is a natural exfoliant and offers anti-inflammatory properties.² It also helps to moisturise the skin.

Now that your skin is less irritated, here’s our simple 2-step guide to getting rid of ingrown hairs:

1. Gently pull out the hair
   Once the hair is near the surface of the skin, it should be easier to release. Use sterile tweezers or a needle to gently pull it until it is no longer curled under the skin.
   
   Top tip: As tempting as it may be, it is important to never dig into the skin to try and release the hair as this could lead to unwanted infection setting in. Patience is key.
   
2. Exfoliate
   Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oils from your pores and hair follicles, which can help to release ingrown hair.

Once the hair is near the surface of the skin, it should be easier to release. Use sterile tweezers or a needle to gently pull it until it is no longer curled under the skin.
Top tip: As tempting as it may be, it is important to never dig into the skin to try and release the hair as this could lead to unwanted infection setting in. Patience is key.

The best way to prevent ingrown hairs

As with most things in life, the best way to get rid of razor bumps is to prevent them in the first place. Here are our top tips for ingrown hair prevention:¹

• Avoid using hair removal methods such as shaving, tweezing, and waxing.
  
• Hydrate your skin to prevent irritation during hair removal treatments.
  
• Use warm water and shaving gel or foam if you choose to shave.
  
• Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells that can cause ingrown hairs.

So, from causes to the best way to get rid of razor bumps, to ingrown hair prevention, we’ve covered everything you need to know about ingrown hair facts, myths, and tips. With our guide, you can have smooth, hair-free skin without worrying about ingrown hairs.

* When following the treatment schedule, measured on legs, individual results may vary
** Median hair reduction on legs: 78% after 12 treatments